galencia

Platform: Commodore 64

Developer: Protovision PRICE: $4.99 download DOWNLOAD: KIKSTART.EU/GALENCIA-C64

The bee population of Earth has been steadily declining due to mankind’s thoughtlessness, but every action has a consequence and now the bee guardians have arrived from outer space to avenge their fallen brethren. Our civilization’s only hope is a couple of battered Galencia fighter craft which were originally built in 1981 but still might be a match for Earth’s latest enemies in battle.

There are 50 levels to blast through with every fifth one either being some kind of challenge – shooting chains of nasties or collecting stars within an asteroid field – or a boss fight. The craft’s firepower can also be increased by allowing it to be captured by a Siren enemy and using the next life to release it. Although this isn’t a direct clone, Galencia is a heartfelt love letter to Galaga from programmer Jason Aldred and a well-written one at that. >> score 88%